Building a PC

Page 1: Introduction

• ICT 1001 Computer Systems Course

• Focus: Building a PC Unit

Page 2: Evaluating Specialized Custom PCs

• Importance of researching PC parts

  • Read reviews for credible information

  • Search by part name/model

  • Types of reviews:

    • Industry reviews (professionals)

    • Personal reviews (consumers)

• Key steps:

  • Learn everything about the part:

    • Technical specifications

    • Return and warranty policies

Page 3: Comparing Parts for Custom PCs

• Compare competitors' parts:

  • Cost, performance, power usage, specifications

• Physical inspection:

  • Handle the part if possible

  • Open and inspect contents

  • Consult sales personnel about alternatives and return policies

Page 4: Standard Workstation Types

• Common workstation types include:

  • Thick client

  • Thin client

  • Virtualization workstations

  • Media workstations

Page 5: Understanding Thick Clients

• Definition: A thick client has adequate hardware to run general applications and modern OS.

• Characteristics:

  • Runs essential applications for office/home users

  • Name does not indicate physical size; can be compact yet powerful

  • Compatibility with contemporary components

Page 6: Hardware Requirements for Thick Clients

• Minimum requirements (for Windows 10):

  • CPU: 1 GHz or faster

  • 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) architecture

Page 7: Thin Client Overview

• Definition: A thin client performs simple tasks with minimal hardware.

• Characteristics:

  • Relies on server resources; often lacks a hard drive

  • Cost-effective and easy to deploy

• Examples:

  • Point-of-sale systems

  • Office workstations

Page 9: Virtualization Workstations

• Definition: Virtualization allows running multiple OS simultaneously on one machine.

• Benefits:

  • Save space, electricity, and resources

• Use cases:

  • Run a second OS within the primary environment

Page 10: Performance Considerations for Virtualization

• Key requirements for a successful virtualization setup:

  • Lots of RAM is essential

  • A fast, multi-core 64-bit CPU optimizes performance

Page 11: Media Workstations

• Definition: Designed for graphic and photo tasks.

• Key specifications:

  • High-quality, large monitors (often calibrated for color accuracy)

  • Fast, multi-core CPUs

  • Maximum RAM is crucial for performance

Page 12: Audio Editing Workstation Essentials

• Requirements similar to graphics workstations:

  • Fast, multicore GPU, ample RAM, and storage

  • Inclusion of audio interfaces for connecting microphones and instruments

  • Connection options: USB or FireWire

• Higher-end devices may have more features and inputs

Page 16: Video Editing Workstation Requirements

• Combines requirements of graphics and audio workstations:

  • Dual or multiple monitors for editing and previewing

  • High performance CPU and as much RAM as possible

  • High-speed storage solutions for large video files

Page 18: Home Server PC Functions

• Building a home media server involves:

  • Media streaming

  • File sharing

  • Print sharing

• Software needs to allow easy sharing of files and printers

Page 20: Home Server PC Hardware Needs

• Recommended hardware setup:

  • Wired Gigabit Ethernet NIC

  • Minimum two hard drives with identical sizes in RAID 1 configuration

Pages 25-34: Setting Up a Home Theater PC

• Components needed:

  • Monitor, receiver, speakers, and network connectivity

• Must support high-resolution output over HDMI

• Sound card should support surround sound

• Must access streaming and TV content

• Essential software includes Windows Media Center or third-party applications like Kodi or Plex

Page 36: Gaming PC Features

• Requirements for a robust gaming PC:

  • Fast multi-core processor

  • 8GB RAM minimum (16GB recommended for multitasking)

  • High-end video card with dedicated GPU for optimal performance

  • Quality sound card for immersive audio experience

Pages 38-42: Installing and Upgrading Windows

• Windows installation process:

  • Boot from installation media

  • Follow the installation wizard

• Types of installations:

  • Clean installation:

    • Wipes old data and OS

  • Upgrade installation:

    • Retains data and applications

  • Multi-boot installation:

    • Allows multiple OS on one machine

Page 56: Pre-Installation Tasks

• Verify system resources and free disk space

• Prepare necessary drivers and startup disks

• Configure partitions and network setup for multi-boot if needed

Page 85: Post-Installation Tasks

• Tasks after installation includes:

  • Connecting to the workgroup/domain

  • Installing drivers, software, and updates using Windows Update